Conservation Awards

Each year the National Wildlife Federation honors extraordinary conservation heroes with our National Conservation Achievement Awards, or "Connies." These awards were created to recognize esteemed partners who have helped the Federation shape some of today’s most crucial conservation wins.

Like our founder, J.N. “Ding” Darling, these individuals and organizations dedicate their time, talent, passion, and resources to wildlife through advocacy, communication, and on-the-ground conservation. Past award recipients include First Lady Michelle Obama, Ted Roosevelt IV, Disney, Hollywood actor Robert Redford, and other distinguished recipients, including our affiliate organizations and their staff, volunteers, and board members.

The awards are traditionally presented at an annual awards celebration held in Washington, D.C., and at the Federation’s Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting awards focus on honoring outstanding affiliates. These talented and dedicated conservationists are identified and honored through a nomination process. Award categories include Affiliate of the Year, Affiliate Volunteer of the Year, Conservation Leadership, Youth Achievement, and the Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership.